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Bowl of warm and flavorful cozy tamale soup topped with fresh cilantro.

Tamale Soup with Tamale Dumplings

A comforting and hearty dish combining a rich broth with flavorful tamale dumplings, perfect for family gatherings and chilly days.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 a bell pepper, diced (any color)
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh cilantro
For the Dumplings
  • 2 cups masa harina (corn flour) Use high-quality masa harina for best texture.
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup warm water
  • optional shredded cheese or cooked ground meat for filling

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, broth, black beans, corn, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the masa harina, baking powder, and salt. Add the vegetable oil and warm water gradually, mixing until a soft, pliable dough forms. If desired, fold in shredded cheese or cooked ground meat as a filling.
  4. After the soup has simmered, use your hands to form small balls of the masa mixture, about 1-2 inches in diameter.
  5. Gently drop the dumplings into the simmering soup. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the dumplings have puffed up and are cooked through.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro, and enjoy the delightful flavors!

Notes

Customize your spices by adjusting to taste. For vegetarians, use vegetable broth and skip any meat. Leftover dumplings can be toasted for a crispy finish. Store soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently, adding a splash of water if needed.